The Anonymous Widower

The Avo Hotel in Dalston Lane

My grandmother was born in either the Balls Pond Road or Dalston Lane, depending whether you believe my mother’s story or the birth records.

As I live round the corner, I’m pleased that someone has seen fit to open a high-class hotel in Dalston Lane. This is the hotel’s web site.

I wish them luck!

February 27, 2011 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , | 2 Comments

Ticket Madness?

I add the question mark because sometimes I end up with train tickets that surprise me.  But if they benefit me financially, why should I bother?

When I travel to Ipswich to see the football, I generally go First Class, as I can be guaranteed a comfortable seat and a table, where I can spread myself out. If I don’t deserve some of life’s hedonistic pleasures then who does?

The Standard Class Off-Peak Return to  Ipswich from Liverpool Street is £22.60, if I use my Senior Railcard.  And I can upgrade it to First for £14.00.  So effectively a First Class Off-Peak Return is 36.60.

Yesterday though, was my first trip after receiving my Freedom Pass and after a few questions when I bought the ticket at Liverpool Street I ended up with a Standard Class return from Harold Wood to Ipswich and a First Class Upgrade for the whole journey.  The total cost was £33.45.

So you can see why Which has reported that people don’t always get sold the cheapest tickets on trains. The staff must ask all the right questions and the passengers must bring all the correct documentation.

I would assume in this example, that Harold Wood must be the limit of travel with a Freedom Pass.  But who’d want to travel there anyway?

February 27, 2011 Posted by | Sport, Transport/Travel | , , | Leave a comment